With these classes you won't even know you are working out!

 Images via vantadance, bookingbug, and Wikimedia

The key to starting an exercise program is to choose an activity that is fun, that challenges you to learn something new, and that can be scheduled on a regular basis. Think outside of the box and look at one of these classes that will not only keep you active, they will exercise your brain and keep you coming back to learn more!

Folk Bhangra / Bollywood (7 sessions, $95)

Bhangra’s vigorous movements and music is not only exciting to watch, it’s a great workout and a thrill to learn! This course will also cover Bollywood style of dancing which is lower impact but just as much fun.  Learn a new style of dancing while you whittle away the inches.

363732 starting 1/14 at Potomac Community Recreation Center from 7:30 – 8:15 pm

Latin Salsa for Singles and Couples (8 sessions, $75)

Salsa dancing may look like a series of small steps, but when you start to add in the hips and arms, you will be amazed at how energized you feel during class. In this class we change partners frequently so individuals and couples are welcome to register. Learn the difference between studio and night club style salsa, moves that bring you and your partner back together and on beat, and when to do the Mambo instead.

364425 starting 1/15 at Potomac Community Recreation Center from 8:00 – 9:00 pm

Tap Dance for Adults (8 sessions, $72)

This class will really keep your feet moving! Learn various tap movements to create a beat with your tap shoes. The workout is sure to continue when you are excited to practice what you’ve learned at home! Beginner class starts at 6:00 pm then beginners/intermediate at 6:30 pm, with intermediate at 7:00 pm and advanced starting at 8:00 pm.

364791 starting 1/8 at Capital View-Homewood Local Park from 6:00 – 7:00 pm

364792 starting 1/8 at Capital View-Homewood Local Park from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

364793 starting 1/8 at Capital View-Homewood Local Park from 7:00 – 8:00 pm

364794 starting 1/8 at Capital View-Homewood Local Park from 8:00 – 9:00 pm

Urban Line Dance (8 sessions, $60)

Get off the sofa and onto the dance floor! Line dancing is a terrific way to start a fitness program simply because it’s hard to resist. When a large group of people all know how to do the same dance moves, you’ll want to jump in and dance too.  This class will start with basic line dance steps and progress to more complex patterns. Keep your body moving, socialize with new friends, and have fun – these are all important factors for your health.

364016 starting 1/7 at Wheaton Community Recreation Center from 6:00 – 7:00 pm

364017 starting 1/8 at Plum Gar Community Recreation Center from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Zumba (various classes and fees)

Zumba is dance fitness classes that started in the 1990s by Columbian choreographer and dancer, Alberto Perez. Zumba involves moves taken from popular dance styles including hip-hop, soca, salsa, merengue, mambo and more! Combine these moves with popular Latin and pop music, and you have a fitness class that feels more like a dance party than a workout! Take a break from the gym equipment and try using those sneakers as dance shoes. You’ll be surprised by the results!

For a complete list of Zumba classes, locations and fees, see page 48 of the Winter Guide.  

Martial Arts (various classes and fees)

Martial arts classes including Karate, Jujitsu, and Taekwondo are traditional combat practices that are used for self-defense, competition, and physical and mental development. The various disciplines also offer an incredible workout that doesn’t feel like a fitness program because the mind is so highly focused on learning and executing the moves. Try one of the 14 different martial arts classes offered around the County and experience the benefits of challenging your brain and your body at the same time.

For a complete list of martial arts classes, locations, and fees, see pages 55 and 56 in the Winter Guide.  

Hula Hoop Your Way to Good Health (8 sessions, $64)

Hula Fit! is a relatively new class that combines low impact movements with high energy and calorie burning hula hooping. This class incorporates fitness hoops to help you strengthen and shape your core as you move and groove to contemporary music. We’ll incorporate arm and leg movements to give you a full body workout that is as much fun as it is energizing!

369182 starting 1/16 at Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center from 7:15 – 8:15 pm

Tiny Tots Classes to Cure the Winter Blues

When it’s too chilly to play outside with your tot, you’ll be so glad you registered for one of these classes. Keep little ones entertained and let them make messes outside of the home. Everyone will be happy and enjoy the winter a little more.

Tiny Hands Crafts (7 sessions, $80)

Children ages 2-6 will have the opportunity to be creative and get messy with paint, glue, glitter, foam, fabric, wood and more. We’ll make at least 2 projects per class so bring a smock and a $28 material fee and let’s get messy! Adult participation is required.

369580 starting 1/27 at Potomac Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

369582 starting 1/28 at Germantown Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

369584 starting 1/29 at Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

369590 starting 1/30 at Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

Pre-Hip Hop by Dansez! Dansez! (9 sessions, $90)

Little dancers ages 2-5 will love this high-energy class. Kids will use their body movement to dance to upbeat music lead by a trained instructor. Children are welcome to participate at their own pace.

368682 starting 1/24 at Dansez! Dansez! Studio from 10:00 – 10:30 am

369170 starting 1/24 at Dansez! Dansez! Studio from 4:30 – 5:00 pm

Music Together Montgomery (8 sessions, $150)

This interactive family class will have everyone smiling as they sing, chant, play with props, explore instruments and move to the beat. Youngsters will participate at their own pace and parents and caregivers will be able to engage in a fun, memorable way. Each family must purchase the award winning Music Together CD and songbook at the first class for $40.

368690 starting 1/13 at White Oak Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

368686 starting 1/15 at Wheaton-Claridge Local Park from 10:00 – 10:45 am

368688 starting 1/18 at Mid County Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

368689 starting 1/18 at Mid County Community Recreation Center from 11:15 am – 12:00 pm

Coach Doug Wee Wanna Be (8 sessions, $77)

This is a great class for tots that want to try out several sports. Children will receive an introduction to soccer, T-ball, lacrosse and more. Parents and guardians will play too and everyone will love the non-competitive sessions. A $10 materials fee is due on the first class.

369131 starting 1/13 at Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

369132 starting 1/14 at Germantown Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

369133 starting 1/15 at Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

369134 starting 1/16 at Potomac Community Recreation Center from 10:15 – 11:00 am

369137 starting 1/17 at Damascus Community Recreation Center from 10:45 – 11:30 am

What To Do About Inclement Weather

 Image via Mattox on sxc

Winter weather can come on strong. Be sure to sign up for Rec Alerts to receive notifications via text or email. In addition, closures and cancellations are announced on WTOP-FM 103.5, WWWT-AM 1500 and WMAL-AM 630. If there is a weather advisory, the following rules will determine if classes are held:

The Community Use of Public Facilities determines if classes are held during inclement weather. 

On weekdays, when schools are closed all day due to inclement weather ALL countywide  Community Recreation Center  activities, games, practices and classes are cancelled, regardless of location.
When schools have a delayed opening, Tiny Tots classes that begin prior to noon are cancelled, but all other recreation and community center activities will meet as scheduled.
On weekends, closures are determined by the Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF). You may call the Recreation Inclement Weather Line at 240-777-6889, or call CUPF at 240-777-2706. If these facilities are closed, then ALL scheduled Montgomery County Recreation activities, games, practices and classes are cancelled.
In the event that scheduled programs are cancelled, aquatic and community centers may be open for drop-in activities. Please call the facilities directly for information.

Rec Center Happenings

Mark your calendar for these special events happening around the County at various Community Recreation Centers.

Adult Dance Party at Bauer Drive (February 1)

Dust off your dance shoes and be ready to party on February 1^st from 8:00 – 11:00 pm! Dress is ‘elegant casual’ and a DJ will get everyone moving with classics from the ‘oldies but goodies’ era. Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center is located at 14625 Bauer Drive in Rockville. For more information call 240-777-6922.

Club Fridays at Germantown (January 3, 17 and 31)

Club Friday will meet for three weeks this month at the Germantown Community Recreation Center. Youth in grades 3 through 6 are encouraged to sign up at the center and join in the fun on January 3^rd, 17^th and 31^st from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. We have games, sports, movies, music, and other special events so that every Club Friday is a party!

Meet Ronald McDonald at Plum Gar (January 21)

America’s favorite fast food mascot will be entertaining kids up to age 12 on January 21 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Bring a camera to snap some memorable photos!  Plum Gar Community Recreation Center is located at 19561 Scenery Drive in Germantown.

Treasure Hunt for Kids at Praisner (January 3)

Treasure awaits, as do arts and crafts at this family event.  Join us from 6:30 – 8:30 pm on January 3^rd for a treasure hunt and lots of fun!  Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center is located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.

Kool Kids Club at East County Community Recreation Center (January 24)
Join us for a four series program called the Kool Kids Club for grades K-5. The first event will be movie night; showing 2 features on two separate screens.  The time of the event is 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
 

Club Friday Dance Party at Upper County (January 31)

Club Friday kids can join us for games, music, crafts and entertainment on January 3, and 17 with a special around the world celebration and dance party on the 31^st.  Come into the Upper County Community Recreation Center located at 8201 Emory Grove Road in Gaithersburg to find out more!

Why Diving is a Great Sport for Kids

Everyone knows that Montgomery County Aquatics has an excellent swimming program for lessons and competitive swimmers. You might even be aware that Montgomery County played host to the US Olympic Diving Team just before they left for London in 2012.  But did you know that kids as young as age 5 can start learning to dive off spring boards as well as platforms?

We sat down with Monica Spurgeon whose daughter, Caroline, has been diving for two years to find out what drew them to diving as a sport.

MCR: What made Caroline try diving in the first place?

MS: The summer when she was 5 years old I noticed that she was really good at gymnastics and she loved diving into the pool. I thought we should try it now when she was young because sometimes kids are more fearful as they get a few years older.

MCR: What makes diving a good sport for kids?

MS: It’s easier on your body than gymnastics, but still a great way to burn off that energy.  Plus, you have to learn to swim as well when you dive and so as a safety thing, it’s always good to know how to swim to the edge of a pool as a child.

MCR: What do you like most about diving?

MS: The coaches are young adults who are very enthusiastic and get the kids excited. You can tell they really love the sport and have fun teaching the kids. I never have to drag my daughter to diving.  She always wants to go!  I also like that this program does not have to be competitive. There are different kinds of meets but with all of them kids learn that ok, maybe they didn’t do so well but that’s ok. It’s not a sport that you are going to master right away. Kids have to be ok with not doing something well, and then they work at it, and they learn that they CAN do it.

MCR: Have you seen any real benefits to your daughter as she’s been in the diving program?

MS: Yes! She was on the 5-meter platform and almost slipped. She was really frightened and would not go up there for a few weeks. But we talked about it and she knew she would have to overcome that fear if she wanted to keep diving. And she did!